Jan & Dora's Stand up to Cancer Page

My Story

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. In January of this year I was diagnosed with Stage 2/3 malignant melanoma, which had spread to the lymph nodes under my right arm. A few weeks later, after a CT scan, I was diagnosed as Stage 4 with metastases to my right lung, liver and right kidney. To say this was a shock is underplaying it. I had a melanoma removed over 10 years ago which they believe is the spread culprit. Why now? That's another story... I've been through denial, overwhelm, anger, sadness, the lot. But now I've accepted. This cannot be cured, but treatment, if successful, can keep it at bay for many years. I've made the decision to be positive about my future. 15 years ago, my diagnosis would have been a death sentence. But research for treatment for cancers, particularly melanoma, has progressed significantly over the last 10 years, which means there is light ahead for people like me. I started my treatment at the beginning of March. My cancer care, the support offered by the NHS, local charities and my wonderful family and friends has been humbling. Keeping active is important, which is why I've signed up to the Stand Up To Cancer Walkies Challenge to help raise money for continued Cancer Research UK. Please show your support and help fund life-saving research by donating to my page.